House Masters Dislike Policy of Outside Rooms

A recent inquiry into the College rooming situation revealed that most Masters are opposed, in principle, to an extension of last year's temporary policy allowing seniors to move out of the Houses, and to room instead in private residences or boarding houses.

However, John J. Conway, Master of Leverett House, defended the policy as "a good experiment, forcing the seniors to estimate the relative advantages of House and outside living."

Conway said that there had been a lot of pressure to live out, and that last year's policy, though caused by overcrowding, was "a good thing in itself, demonstrating the values of House life."

On the other hand, Elliot Perkins '23, Master of Lowell House, called the measure "a policy of desperation, striking at the roots of the House system." But Perkins said there could be exceptions. "I had one student who used to play his violin 14 hours a day, and he did have good reason to live out."

Few Students Move Out

David E. Owen '27, Master of Winthrop House, claimed that "students are reasonably comfortable here, and see little reason to move out." He mentioned that only three Winthrop seniors left the House last year, and cited this as a typical figure.

"Students find it difficult to get an outside room which is acceptable to them and to the College," said Owen.

"Living out has exploded the myth that Harvard room and board are comparatively expensive," added Reuben A. Brower, Master of Adams House.

Many of those who did move out were reportedly disillusioned. "One student told me he had a little more privacy, but a lot less hot water," said John H. Finley '25, Master of Eliot House.